By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
SAUGATUCK—The Saugatuck volleyball team hosted a quad that also featured Holland Black River, Eau Claire and Zion Christian on Tuesday, Oct. 25.
And the Trailblazers came away unbeaten for the evening.
Saugatuck posted a dominant 25-4, 25-14 win over Eau Claire, and earned a split with both Black River (21-2, 25-17) and Zion Christian (25-16, 18-25).
Sherri Austin, the former longtime Saugatuck coach who stepped back into that role mid-season, has enjoyed getting to know this group of players.
“Since taking over the team and getting to know them, I have found them to be highly motivated and compete until the end,” she said. “Regardless off number of games we play in a set they give it their all and leave whatever they have left in the tank on the court.
“I love their desire and competitiveness. We are not the most gifted at talent, but they make up for it with grit and live for the game.”
Kennedy Gustafson paced Saugatuck with 15 kills and four blocks, while Jenn Schock led with 18 assists and Jacey Merkle led with 28 digs. Schock was second on the team in digs with 21.
Others who played well for the Trailblazers included Alyssa Ries (seven aces, eight kills and 14 digs), Haley Rivera (three aces, eight kills, 13 assists and 19 digs), Erin Moerler (six kills and nine digs) and Sabrie Sneller (three aces, three digs and eight kills).
“This team will always bring their best no matter who we play, so on any given day they can surprise you,” Austin said. “I look forward to the postseason stretch.”